US Imposes Restrictions on Network Alleged of Recruiting South American Contractors to the Sudanese Conflict.

The Washington has imposed sanctions on a network of several persons and entities accused of enlisting South American contractors to support and educate a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Group Makeup

Announcing the sanctions on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the network was mostly comprised of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group linked to horrific war crimes such as targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged last year, prompted by an inquiry which disclosed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been contracted to participate in the war – an discovery that led to an rare mea culpa from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience gleaned from decades of civil war, knowledge of Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the contractors have been accused of teaching child soldiers, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but commented that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and former army officer located in the Dubai. The US authorities said he had a key part in recruiting and deploying ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say oversaw a company implicated in handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "Over the past two years, US-based firms associated with Duque conducted numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the Treasury statement stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the company she managed alleged to have money transfers associated with Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to halt the flow of monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the Treasury stated.

Analyst Commentary

An expert, with the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "very significant" milestone, noting that "identifying the recruiters is the proper strategy".

It was also noted that, Bogotá ratified a piece of legislation ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and change its security approach.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with rampant mercenarism".

"It operates in the black market and operating from Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The UAE has been repeatedly implicated of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.